James 4:8 (NCV), “Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure.”
Several days ago, I heard the testimony of a woman who had been abused (physically by her mom and ex-boyfriend, and sexually by her brother). As a teenage girl she ended up homeless, was involved in prostitution, sold drugs, struggled with drug addiction, and was in and out of jail for committing various crimes. But on one particular occasion, after relapsing with drug use, she ended up back in jail. Feeling as if all hope was gone, she cried out to God in surrender from her jail cell. It was in that moment she heard God speak to her and tell her that He had been waiting for her to come to Him.

When God told her, He had been waiting for her to come to Him, it reminded me that God is always there, every moment of every day. He wants to be intimately involved with us, not just when we are desperate for His help but even when life is going smoothly.
Sin keeps us from drawing near to God. However, He is patiently waiting for us to choose Him over the lusts and strongholds of the flesh. Even the little sinful habits that we accept as “normal” or “not that bad” can keep us separated from God’s best. Once we are ready to surrender, like the lady did in her jail cell, we can experience greater intimacy with God through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. And greater intimacy with Him leads to more growth, greater joy and abundant blessings.
It’s good to know we are loved by a God who hears our desperate cries for help, but also delights in us each day and rejoices with us in the good times.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT, “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Never forget that God is waiting to hear from you each day, in the good times and the bad.

Amen, I love the verse from Zephaniah ( have not read that in a long time and the NLT version mentions calming your fears and that just hits a little differently) Praise God for loving us so much. I really like the point you mention of the sins that we think are not so bad, actually do keep us from God’s best.
Blessings to you Dawn 💙💐
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Thank you Manu. I love that verse too. Yes, as the saying goes, “the little things mean a lot.” So even the sins that seem insignificant count. I’m thankful too God loves us so much. Blessings! 💕🤗
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Wow, what a moving story! How awesome that this lady cried out to God and He was right there waiting. And what a gift we have – that He is always there with us as well. Thank you, Dawn. Such a great post.
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You’re welcome Bridget! I too was encouraged by her story. How great is God’s love for us. Thank you, blessings! 💕
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What a beautiful story of redemption, and of the fact that we are never alone. God is always there, waiting on us and loving us. Thanks for sharing, Dawn!
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You’re welcome Patty! His love waits, and boy am I thankful for that!! May we turn to Him quickly each day. Thank you, Blessings! ❤️
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Such amazing, indescribable, unfailing, unwavering love. Complete live in spite of us
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Amen! In spite of us. His love remains the same. Blessings Brenda!
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Within our heartache, despite our differences, in the midst of our brokenness. He stands at the door of our heart, waiting for our soul, to invite His love in!
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Amen! May we always be willing to invite Him in. Blessings Warren ☀️
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Powerful testimony. I like to listen to the testimonies on Pacific Garden Mission because they reminds us that God cares and will always answer when we call upon Him. Thanks for sharing.
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I’ve never heard of Pacific Garden Mission. But I agree, hearing testimonies help to keep our faith strong. Have a blessed week, Beverly.
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Love this!
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Thank you, Donnell! Blessings!
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Verl welcome, Dawn! Have a blessed and wonderful day.
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Thank you for the encouraging comment. Have a great day and week!
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God is waiting for all to come to him to receive forgiveness and healing for our souls.
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It is great that He is patiently waiting 🙏🏿
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Amen! There is worthiness found in surrendering to God. Despite our sins, He waits to clean our soul and heart as white as snow.
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What a blessing that He gives to us so freely, despite our sins. Have a wonderful week Richard!
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I completely agree, God is waiting for each one of us and I’m so encouraged by the stories of those who have realized this and humbled themselves before Him. What a beautiful thing it is to surrender oneself to the Almighty and be given salvation through His gift of grace! Thank you for sharing this! Blessings to you!
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You’re welcome Hope. It is a blessing that the Lord is patient and waits. It is wonderful to hear stories of His faithfulness. Blessings to you too! ❤️
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